Papmochani Ekadashi is extensively described in the Bhavishyottara Purana. On this day, devotees worship Lord Vishnu in his four-armed form. On the Dashami (10th lunar day), devotees eat a single sattvic meal and meditate upon Lord Vishnu. The next morning, on Ekadashi, they bathe and take a vow (sankalp) to observe the fast.
After taking the vow, they perform Shodashopachar puja (16 offerings) to Lord Vishnu. Following the puja, they sit before the deity and either read the Bhagavad Katha or have a qualified Brahmin recite it. The entire family listens to the story and performs jagaran (night vigil) through devotional songs and bhajans, refraining from food during the night.
On Dwadashi (12th lunar day), after a morning bath, devotees worship Lord Vishnu again, feed Brahmins, offer them gifts (dakshina), and only then consume food themselves.
Observing Papmochani Ekadashi in this manner pleases Lord Vishnu immensely and destroys all sins of the devotee.
Papmochani Ekadashi Story (Vrat Katha)
Long ago, there was a mighty king named Mandhata. One day, he asked the sage Lomasha:
“O revered sage, how can a person become free from sins committed knowingly or unknowingly?”
Sage Lomasha replied:
“O best of kings! Let me tell you a story from ancient times. In the Chaitraratha forest, which was frequented by apsaras (celestial nymphs) and gandharva maidens who sang and danced, there lived a sage named Meghavi, who practiced strict celibacy.
One day, an apsara named Manjughosha was sent to distract and seduce him. She stayed a little distance from the hermitage, singing sweetly while playing her veena. Hearing the melodious voice, Sage Meghavi was drawn toward her and lost control over his senses. Manjughosha approached him and embraced him. The sage, enamored, spent several years with her, completely forgetting about time.
Eventually, Manjughosha wanted to return to her celestial abode and said, “O Brahmin, now please permit me to leave.”
The sage said, “Stay with me until the morning twilight.”
To which the apsara replied, “Respected sage! Many dawns have passed already. Kindly reflect on the time you have spent.”
Hearing this, Sage Meghavi was shocked and calculated that 57 years had passed. Realizing she had ruined his penance, he became enraged and cursed her:
“Sinner! May you become a demoness (pishachini)!”
Though terrified, the apsara humbly bowed and pleaded:
“O sage, please grant me relief from this curse. Even speaking seven words or walking seven steps with a noble soul forms a bond. I have lived with you for years — please show mercy.”
The sage responded:
“O blessed one, you have indeed destroyed years of my penance, but listen: During the Krishna Paksha (waning phase) of the Phalgun month, the sacred Papmochani Ekadashi occurs. It is capable of destroying all sins and lifting curses. By observing this fast, your demonic state will be removed.”
Saying this, Meghavi went to the hermitage of his father, Sage Chyavan. Upon seeing his son, Chyavan said, “Son! What have you done? You’ve destroyed your own virtues!”
Meghavi replied:
“Father, I committed a grave sin by engaging with an apsara. Please instruct me on how I can atone and destroy my sins.”
Chyavan said:
“O son, by observing the Papmochani Ekadashi in the Krishna Paksha of Phalgun month, all your sins will be wiped away.”
Hearing this, Meghavi observed the fast with full devotion and was freed from all his sins. Manjughosha also followed the same fast and was freed from the curse, regaining her divine form and returning to heaven.
A person who observes the fast of Papamochini Ekadashi, all his sins are automatically destroyed. Reading and listening to this great scripture gives great results. Therefore, O King! Observing Papamochini Ekadashi is very important.